Reports received this afternoon (Tuesday February 19) by the Refugee Action Coalition from inside the detention camp on Nauru indicate that fifteen refugees have started a hunger strike, and that four have stitched their lips. These developments come amidst a deepening crisis in the camp, and follow yesterday’s escape by five detainees.

“Lip-stitching among asylum seekers has not been seen since the darkest days of the Howard government,” said Refugee Action Coalition spokesperson Nick Riemer. “These desperate acts will continue and worsen until the Australian government closes Nauru.”

Last year saw protracted mass hunger strikes on the island. Current reports indicate that medical supplies are unavailable, and that refugees are being turned away from the camp’s medical centre without receiving any proper care.

A protest by all the Iranians detained on Nauru was planned for today.

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Refugee Action Coalition Sydney (RAC) is a community activist organisation campaigning for the rights of refugees in Australia since 1999. We oppose mandatory detention and offshore processing, and campaign for refugees to be welcomed in Australia. We mount public rallies and organise information stalls and public forums on refugee issues. Our events are widely reported and our members are regularly quoted in the media.